Cyber Clutch: Hot Import Nights initially makes a strong impression with its striking cyberpunk-style visuals and an energetic soundtrack that sets the stage for high-intensity arcade racing. The game’s neon-lit cityscapes, detailed tracks, and sense of speed are major highlights, immersing players in a visually captivating experience. Combined with its concept of arcade racing with weaponized cars, in some ways it remided me of classic car battle games like Carmageddon or the brilliant Australian created title Powerslide from 1998 (anyone else remember that one?).
As an arcade-style racer, Cyber Clutch challenges players to navigate tracks filled with jumps, power boosts, and health pick-ups while battling opponents using car-mounted weapons and unique abilities. The idea of weaving combat into traditional racing adds a layer of chaos and strategy, giving players multiple ways to approach each race. The variety of tracks and the inclusion of mechanics like speed boosts from drifting or catch-up mechanics for players lagging behind further diversify gameplay.
While the game’s premise is undeniably intriguing, its execution falls short in some areas. The weaponized combat, a key highlight, doesn’t always live up to its potential due to uneven balancing. Each vehicle comes equipped with unique weapons, but their effectiveness varies, impacting the overall gameplay experience.
Players can choose from a diverse lineup of light, medium, and heavy vehicles, each offering distinct handling, playstyles, and special abilities. Light vehicles are nimble and quick, but they’re also more vulnerable. Heavy vehicles, on the other hand, pack a punch and are built to withstand punishment. Whether you prefer to dodge, drift, or dominate, every vehicle provides a unique path to victory.
At times it feels like it borrows from Mario Kart, which to be fair is the GOAT of arcade racers so you can see why. Cyber Clutche’s version of the “Blue Shell” called “The laser death ray” stands out as overpowered, offering near-perfect accuracy and devastating one-shot hits.
The drifting mechanic is another feature that could use refinement. While it’s meant to add a layer of skill and reward players with speed boosts, the execution feels underwhelming. Drifting often slows players down more than it helps, and the resulting speed boost doesn’t compensate enough to make the mechanic feel worthwhile.
Despite these issues, Cyber Clutch does manage to shine in certain aspects. The tracks include a few standouts that offer more engaging layouts and require greater skill to master. The game’s visuals remain a strong point throughout, with vibrant neon cityscapes and impressive effects that heighten the sense of speed during races and the customisation allows you to create some absolute beasts to drive giving you a true feeling of satisfaction after earning currency to spend in races.
Cyber Clutch has undeniable potential, and its combination of arcade racing and combat has the foundation of a thrilling experience. The game’s visuals and soundtrack are exceptional, and some tracks offer moments of genuine enjoyment. However, balancing issues, inconsistent mechanics, and limited online activity hold it back from reaching its full potential. What makes it great apart from it’s under $30 price tag (in Australia) is that the game is very much community driven, so the team are actively using Discord and Reddit to shape the future of the game and that future looks really bright.
